Adult Obesity and Arthritis: An Empirical Analysis for West Virginia, USA

International Journal of Health Research and Innovation, Vol. 1, No. 2, 2013, 1-12

12 Pages Posted: 14 Jun 2014

See all articles by Janaranjana Herath

Janaranjana Herath

University of Mount Olive

Tesfa G. Gebremedhin

West Virginia University - Davis College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Consumer Sciences

Jerry Fletcher

West Virginia University - Division of Resource Management

Date Written: June 30, 2013

Abstract

The relationship between obesity and arthritis remains unclear. Arthritis shows an increasing trend with increasing body weights [11]. West Virginia reports high obesity levels. This study attempts to examine the impacts of obesity on arthritis and to estimate the cost of arthritis linked to obesity in West Virginia. Data collected from Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) for 2001 and 2009 are used for the analysis [24; 25]. A system of simultaneous equations and a Logit analysis are used as estimation methods. The results reveal significant impacts of obesity on arthritis, and the impacts of employment and income growth on obesity and arthritis. The estimated total economic cost of arthritis linked to obesity is $200 million for West Virginia. As the obesity rate is in an increasing trend, reducing the costs of arthritis needs mitigating obesity. The study highlights the need for a comprehensive policy alternative in West Virginia.

Keywords: Arthritis, Obesity, Economic Cost, Logit Analysis, Simultaneous Equations, West Virginia

Suggested Citation

Herath, Janaranjana and Gebremedhin, Tesfa G. and Fletcher, Jerry, Adult Obesity and Arthritis: An Empirical Analysis for West Virginia, USA (June 30, 2013). International Journal of Health Research and Innovation, Vol. 1, No. 2, 2013, 1-12 , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2449909

Janaranjana Herath (Contact Author)

University of Mount Olive ( email )

652, Butler Drive,
Mount Olive, NC 28365
United States

Tesfa G. Gebremedhin

West Virginia University - Davis College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Consumer Sciences ( email )

Morgantown, WV 26506
United States

Jerry Fletcher

West Virginia University - Division of Resource Management ( email )

Morgantown, WV 26506
United States

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